Blackhawks Roster Moves: Brandon Pirri, Jeremy Morin Trade Places

Center Brandon Pirri was sent back to Rockford. Mike Kostka, who has been on IR, was activated and sent to Rockford on a rehab assignment. Forwards Jeremy Morin and Joakim Nordstrom were recalled to Chicago.

Pirri has six goals and five assists in 24 games with the Blackhawks this season.

I don’t understand bringing up both Morin and Nordstrom, unless, as I said, Handzus is really hurt (or Shaw broke his hand in the fight/concussed when he was SMASHED into the boards). Handzus is going to play unless he is dead. That leaves one spot open. Why bring up 2 people to fill one spot? Especially when we know Q would rather play a defensemen at forward than Morin? Doesn’t make sense.

Pirri- He played some really good games and some bad games. Lately, he seems to be fighting the puck. I could defintiely see this as a temporary move to help him gain his confidence and then come back up… but at the same time, Q would rather have Handzus playing than him, and there are no other open spots. SOMEONE MAKE SENSE OF THIS TO ME. I think he improved dramatically on his defense but lost some focus in the offensive zone because of that.

I’m sure Rufus will come in and talk about how this proves that Pirri isn’t an NHL caliber player. I don’t think it means that and hopefully I’m just assuming he says that (he will say that). Many players take YEARS in the NHL to figure out their game. Pirri has had 30 games.

So anyway, someone help me figure out why they brought up 2 players to fill 1 spot.

He had 0 points in his last 8 games and was winning only 44% of his faceoffs. His defense, though improved, still wasn’t what Quenneville wanted from a 2C and, because he wasn’t winning faceoffs, he was losing ice time while Ben Smith took 4th line draws. This wasn’t a good situation for Pirri to succeed, and probably won’t be moving forward.

As fans, we have to begin getting used to the idea that good prospects might end up getting their best shot at NHL success somewhere else. We’ve seen it already w/ Hayes & Olsen being dealt. Now, it might only be a matter of time before Morin & Pirri join them.

I’ve always liked Pirri’s game, but he clearly isn’t what Quenneville wants and isn’t playing role that suits his game. So he goes back to Rockford. Welcome to the Chicago Blackhawks.

I understand the Pirri demotion part. He isn’t playing well in the offensive zone. And putting some much weight on faceoffs is just wrong. Shaw wins 42% of his faceoffs and we know how big of a boner Q has for him.

I don’t understand the Morin and Nordstrom part. That’s what is confusing.

Pirri got a fair shot. Yes he has lost confidence and yes he has played a much more “avoid mistakes at all cost” type of game lately. Unfortunately that is a 4th line center’s game….not a 2C. I hope Morin gets the same shot Pirri did, but I doubt it. Tab is right when he says that these guys may be in other uniforms come spring. If we get near equivalent players that Q actually likes, the organization has done its job of drafting, developing and trading players for the future.

AJ – agree Sharpie always good at the dot but I gave up hoping it would happen.

Doubt Shaw got hurt in a fight that every player on the bench appreciated as he went by them. He played many shifts and took a big hit late in the game. Other than not winning faceoffs – that kid gives us more net presence than any other player on our roster and yes he takes the occasional bad penalty but also gets us many power lay chances.

I love seeing the kids play, but unless Q gives em a break they have to be perfect to get any time. Would like to see Smith get a chance at 2C, seems to be doing good at the dot and works the front of the net, lets see how they line up tomorrow.

An 8th defensemen and a mid level prospect for the Rangers Captain? Alright! I guess NY is taking on half of that cap hit too.

I like Shaw. I like Shaw a lot. The guy is completely fearless and good at everything. While this will probably lead to a short career and a terrible life for him when he hangs up the skates, the team needs a guy like him. My point on faceoffs was that Q doesn’t seem to care much about them. Last season he was running 3 guys out there that were at 42-46%.

And Sharp gave up playing a 2 way game a long time ago. Defensemen actually have to come below the circles in the defensive zone.

Pirri has one place on this roster, and that’s 2C. I’ve never seen him put together a single solid two-way game… it seems to be either offense or defense with him. We’ve seen flashes of both, so hopefully it’s just a matter of putting it all together. Once his defensive game becomes second nature, he’ll be a serviceable centre in the league.

Smith has played some excellent two-way hockey these past few games, even as a winger. He deserves a shot at 2C, but I hate the thought of taking him off that 4th line. Our 4th line is still the best I’ve seen in a long time, mostly due to Kruger. But it’s worth a shot to see if Nordstrom or Morin can mostly fill Smith’s shoes on that line, and if Smith can answer our longstanding need for a solid, two-way 2C.

Morin played some great hockey the last time I saw him with the big club. He deserves the look that Pirri got.

Travis, thats a good comment and true about Pirri…he has been good offensively in games, but not so great defensively and then great defensively and nowhere to be found offensively…he had 2 games where he did both well, but thats just not enough…however, a lot of this came from the pressure Q has put on him and Q has a lot to do with Pirri going back down…

I also think Tab makes a good point about Morin and Pirri…they don’t really fit “Q’s” style of Blackhawk play and may never find a home here…but both can play and will definitely get a shot somewhere else…and I can tell you for certain, that this is NOT how Bowman wants these kids developed…